Shoe construction having stitchedin insole and pressure-covered molded heel counter



Aug. 24, 1948. MELTZER 2,447,590

snos cous'rauc'rron HAVING STITCl-IED-IN INSOLE AND PRESSURE-COVERED MOLDED HEEL COUNTER Filed Dec. 1, 1945 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEY Aug. 24, 1948. J, MELTZER 2,447,590

snon CONSTRUCTION mwme S'I'ITCHED-IN msou: AND PRESSURE-COVERED woman HEEL COUNTER Filed D60. 1, 1945 3 ShQBtS-Shfifit 2 INVENTOR Jae/s Meli3afi M W ATT RNEY Aug. 24, 1948.

J MELTZER 2,447,590

SHOE CDNS'IRUCTiON HAVING STITCHED-IN INSOLE AND PRESSURE-COVERED MOLDED HEEL COUNTER 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 1, 1945 Patented Aug. 24, 1948 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SHOE CONSTRUCTION HAVING STITCHED- INSOLI AND PRESSURE-COVERED My present invention relates generally to shoes. and has particular reference to certain improvements in the type of shoe in which the outer sole is adhesively secured in place.

A general object of the invention is to provide an improved footwear construction in which the advantages of a pressure-covered molded heel counter are attained in a shoe having an insole of the stitched-in type.

A stitched-in insole is highly desirable because it is not susceptible to displacement and is devoid of edges which may curl and thereby cause discomfort or which may impair the attractiveness of shoes having openings at the toe or elsewhere.

A pressure-covered molded heel counter of the kind which I propose to use consists, in brief, of an integrated assembly of superposed elements comprising a reinforcing element sandwiched between an element of shoe-upper material and a lining element therefor, the reinforcement being initially inserted in relatively soft and pliable state and the entire group being adhesively bonded into a stifi molded unit by heat and pressure. This unit contributes desirable attributes to a shoe, imparting enhanced strength and wearing qualities as well as an improved appearance. Its advantage lies in the fact that the reinforcement is rigidly held in bonded association with both of the plies which cover it. and that each of the latter is maintained in a taut. smooth and attractive condition.

So far as I am aware, it has not heretofore been deemed feasible to employ a pressurecovered molded heel counter in a shoe having a stitched-in insole. The present invention makes it possible, in a simple and practical manner, to produce a shoe having not only all the advantages of a stitched-in insole, but also the advantages inherent in a pressure-covered molded heel counter.

In the present structure, the edge of the insole is stitched to the upper along a line which is parallel to but oflset inwardly from the edge of the upper, the resultant margin of the upper defining an anchoring extension by means of which the upper is secured in place between the insole and the outer sole.

The successful achievement of the desired objective is predicated upon a thoroughly practical solution of the problem of retention of the heel counter in proper positional relation to the vamp portion of the shoe during the assembly of the several parts of the shoe into a completed structure. Where the heel counter is preliminarily molded and covered, it may be stapled or otherwise secured at its base to the anchoring extension of the vamp portion of the upper, or to an anchoring extension specially formed on the insole itself.

In each case, the procedure is of simple character' capable of performance by relatively unskilled hands, and the finished article of footwear has a neat-appearing rigidified heel region firmly integrated with a forward portion of attractive and comfortable character and provided with a smooth-lying stitched-in insole.

I achieve these general objects and advantages, and such other objects and advantages as may hereinafter appear or be pointed out. in the manner illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of one type of pressure-covered molded heel counter;

Figure 2 is an exaggerated cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 2-2 of Figure 1, showing the composite structure:

Figure 3 is a preliminary assembly of shoe upper and insole, constituting a first step in constructing a shoe in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the assembly of Figure 3 associated with a heel counter of the character shown in Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a reinforcing and filler strip;

Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the shoe assembly on a last just prior to completion:

Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 8-4 of Figure if, after the structure has been removed from the ast:

Figure 9'is a view of a modified preliminary assembly similar to that of Figure 3;

Figure 10 is a view of a subsequent step in the process employing the modified construction of Figure 9; and

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a shoe resulting from the process of Figures 9. and 10.

In Figures 1 and 2 I have illustrated a typical pressure-covered molded heel counter. It consists of a reinforcement 30 sandwiched in bonded relationship between an outer covering ply II and a lining ply 32. The resultant integrated assembly is designated in Figure l, and in subsequent figures, by the reference numeral 33. For the sake of simplicity of illustration. the individual plies have not been shown in any of the figures except Figure 2.

The reinforcement element as is composed of a material which is either soft to start with or which can be softened to a pliable state by wetting or otherwise treating it. In forming the heel counter. the inner and outer covering plies ii and 32 are first cut to the proper shapes and stitched together along one set of edges, as at ll; the reinforcement element II in softened state is then inserted in sandwiched relation.

3 with adhesive on its opposite faces; and the entire assembly is then subiected to the action of heat and pressure in a suitably-configured mold or press. The material of which the element 80 is composed is such that this treatment imparts rigidity and form-retaining qualities to the reinforcement $0, and thus produces an integrated assembly of rigid character adapted to form the heel portion of a shoe. The contour is usually of the character shown in Figure 1, whereby the heel counter is provided with a marginal U- shaped base II lying substantially at right angles to an upstanding curved wall portion. The inner and outer plies are adhesively and permanently bonded to the enclosed reinforcement, the outer covering constituting the heel region of the upper of the ultimate shoe, the inner covering constituting a lining. Depending upon the nature of the shoe to be constructed, the inner and outer plies are composed of suitable material. usually fabric or leather of selected ornamentation and color. Both the outer covering and the lining lie taut and smooth, and thus impart an attractive appearance to the heel portion of the shoe.

A first step lies in assembling a vamp portion 38 of a shoe upper, and an insole member 31, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. It will be observed that the insole 3.1 is co-extensive in area with that of the shoe to be constructed, but that the element I8 is merely the vamp portion of the upper. The insole ll has its forward region stitched along its edge to the interior oi the upper 35, as indicated at 88 in Figure 4, the line of stitching is lying substantially parallel to the free edge of the upper 36 but oil'set inwardly therefrom. This forms a margin 39 which defines an anchoring extension by means of which the upper is ultimately secured in place between the insole and the outer sole of the shoe.

Before the assembly is lasted, the heel counter 33 is connected to the vamp portion of the shoe by positioning the forward ends of the U-shaped base 35 over the rear ends of the extension 89, as shown in Figure 5, and connecting these parts together in some suitable fashion, for example, by means of staples or equivalent fastening elements lll.

This assembly is then applied to a last ll (Figure 7), and a reinforcement filler strip or element 4! is inserted edgewise beneath the marginal base 35 of the heel counter. The reinforcement 42 may be constructed as shown in Figure 6, having a relatively wide and thin portion I! conforming in shape and area to the heel of the shoe, and having a medial portion 44 of slightly thicker character conforming in shape to the space within the confines of the counter base 15. The portion 44 may extend forwardly into the shank region of the shoe, if desired; and a shank stiffener, composed of steel or other similar material, may be provided although I have not shown such a shank stiffener in the present drawings.

The next step consists in turning the extension 38 of the upper 38 inwardly, and fastening it down by adhesive means.

The assembly is then ready for the application of such sole and heel elements as may be desired, with or without a platform pad. I have illustratively shown in Figure 7 how the assembly may be completed by employing a platform pad 45, a heel l6 and an outer sole. I have shown the platform pad 45 of substantially uniform thickness throughout, and co-extensive in shape and area with the finished shoe, but it will be understood that these details are not essential.

:- by a pressure-covered counter.

In completing the shoe, as shown in Figure 7, the platform pad I! is first adhesively secured down onto the lasted assembly, the heel 46 is then similarly secured in position, and finally the outer sole .1 is adhesively secured, this element conforming itself to the wedge-shaped contours of the heel u.

After this assembly is removed from the last ll, the-final step lies in lifting the rear unattached heel portion of the insole I1. as indicated in Figure 13, driving nails 50 downwardly through the filler element II and into the body of the heel I, and finally restoring the rear portion of the insole I! to a fiat-lying condition, and securing it in this position by adhesive means.

The advantages of this construction arise from the fact that the finished shoe has an insole which is securely and neatly held in position, its periphery in the forward region of the shoe being stitched-in; the upper of the shoe is firmly anchored into association with the other elements by virtue of the anchoring extension 39 securely sandwiched between the insole 31 and the outer sole l1; and the heel portion of the shoe is defined Thus, the advantages of a pressure-covered heel counter and of a stitched-in insole are simultaneously achieved. All the parts are securely held together, and the shoe has an over-all appearance which is neat and attractive, and a staunchness of unusually desirable character.

In Figures 9-10 I have illustrated a slight modification which may be resorted to when the vamp portion and the heel portion of the shoe upper are to be arranged in spaced relationship. The vamp portion ii of an upper is stitched as at 52 to the edge of the forward region of an insole 53, the stitching I! lying parallel to the free edge of the upper but offset inwardly therefrom so as to form a marginal extension 54. In the shank region of the insole, it is provided with laterally projecting wings 55. These wings afford a convenient point of attachment for the pressurecovered heel counter 56, staples 51 or the like (or equivalent fastening means) being employed to hold the forward portions of the marginal edges 58 of the counter to the in-tumed wings 55, as shown in Figure 10.

The stapling or attachment procedure is prelerably performed before the assembly is placed on a last Iii. but it may be desirable, under certain circumstances, to apply the staples 51 or the like after the parts have been fitted on the last.

A flat stiffening element BB is inserted beneath the base 58 of the heel counter, and is of such shape that it may also be fitted beneath the intm'ned wings 55.

The completion of the shoe is achieved in the manner hereinbefore described, the anchoring extension ll being turned down over the insole 53 and held in position by adhesive means; and the outer parts of the shoe being then applied. In Figure 11 I have iliustratively shown a shoe which is constructed in this way, employing a marginally-covered platform pad Bi, a covered heel I2, and an outer sole 83. It will be understood, however, that the procedure readily per; mits variations in these final steps of assembly.

Where the heel 62 is of the general character hereinbefore described, the final step in the creation of the shoe may reside in the application of nails as indicated in Figure 8, the rear portion of the insole 53 being temporarily lifted to permit the nails to be driven, and being thereupon ad- The staples ll of ldgure 10, and the staples ll of Figure 5, constitute convenient means for connecting the covered heel counter to the forward portion of the shoe independently oi the outer sole.

It will be understood that the invention lends itself readily to numerous modifications without impairing the basic concept of simultaneously employing a pressure-covered heel counter and a stitched-in insole. For example, it will be understood that a platform pad is not necessarily employed.

The shoe will always employ some sort of outer sole, but it is not absolutely essential that the shoe be provided with a heel.

In general, it will be understood that those skilled in the art may readily modify the details of the procedure in the various ways herein described and suggested, possibly in other ways as well. without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention and illustrated its use. what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a shoe. annpper having a vamp portion and a heel portion, a lining for said heel portion. an outer sole, an insole having its edge stitched to said upper, said vamp portion having an anshoring projecting beyond the stitched edge of said insole and turned under to lie between the insole and the outer solo, a counter molded into sandwiched and bonded relation to said heel portion and lining. and means independent ot said outer sole for connecting said covered counter to the forward portion 01' the shoe, said counter having a base, said insole having lateral wings in the shank region of the shoe. and said connecting means securing said counter base to said wings.

2. In a shoe, an upper having spaced vamp and heel portions, a lining for said heel portion. an outer sole, a full-length insole having the edge of its forward portion stitched to the vamp portion oi the upper and having lateral wings in its shank region, said vamp portion having an anchoring extension projecting beyond the stitched edge of said insole, said extension and said wings being turned under to lie between the insole and the outer sole, and a counter molded into sandwiched and bonded relation to said heel portion and lining. said counter having a base secured to said wings.

JACK MELTZER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file 01' this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 487,316 Siegenthaler Sept. 30, 1890 1,861,644 Dodge et al June 7, 1932 2,126,276 Page Aug. 9, 1938 2,185,170 Cavanagh Nov. 1, 1938 2,266,775 Lawson Dec. 23, 1941 2,379,681 Cohen July 3, 1945 2,886,766 Framolare Oct. 16, 1945 2,392,616 Gleason Jan. 15, 1946 2,392,816 Gleason Jan. 15. 1946 Certificate of Correction Patent No. 2,447,590.

August 24, 1948.

JACK MELTZER It is hereby certified that errors appear in the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows:

In the drawin strike out Sheet 2, containing Figures 12 and 13; in the headin to the drawings, S est 1, line 4, for 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 read 2 SheetsSlteet 1; an present Sheet 3, line 4, for 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 read 2 Sheets-Sheet2 and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Ofiice.

Signed and sealed this 7th day of December, A. D. 1948.

THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant Uommim'oner of Patents.

The staples ll of ldgure 10, and the staples ll of Figure 5, constitute convenient means for connecting the covered heel counter to the forward portion of the shoe independently oi the outer sole.

It will be understood that the invention lends itself readily to numerous modifications without impairing the basic concept of simultaneously employing a pressure-covered heel counter and a stitched-in insole. For example, it will be understood that a platform pad is not necessarily employed.

The shoe will always employ some sort of outer sole, but it is not absolutely essential that the shoe be provided with a heel.

In general, it will be understood that those skilled in the art may readily modify the details of the procedure in the various ways herein described and suggested, possibly in other ways as well. without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention and illustrated its use. what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a shoe. annpper having a vamp portion and a heel portion, a lining for said heel portion. an outer sole, an insole having its edge stitched to said upper, said vamp portion having an anshoring projecting beyond the stitched edge of said insole and turned under to lie between the insole and the outer solo, a counter molded into sandwiched and bonded relation to said heel portion and lining. and means independent ot said outer sole for connecting said covered counter to the forward portion 01' the shoe, said counter having a base, said insole having lateral wings in the shank region of the shoe. and said connecting means securing said counter base to said wings.

2. In a shoe, an upper having spaced vamp and heel portions, a lining for said heel portion. an outer sole, a full-length insole having the edge of its forward portion stitched to the vamp portion oi the upper and having lateral wings in its shank region, said vamp portion having an anchoring extension projecting beyond the stitched edge of said insole, said extension and said wings being turned under to lie between the insole and the outer sole, and a counter molded into sandwiched and bonded relation to said heel portion and lining. said counter having a base secured to said wings.

JACK MELTZER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file 01' this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 487,316 Siegenthaler Sept. 30, 1890 1,861,644 Dodge et al June 7, 1932 2,126,276 Page Aug. 9, 1938 2,185,170 Cavanagh Nov. 1, 1938 2,266,775 Lawson Dec. 23, 1941 2,379,681 Cohen July 3, 1945 2,886,766 Framolare Oct. 16, 1945 2,392,616 Gleason Jan. 15, 1946 2,392,816 Gleason Jan. 15. 1946 Certificate of Correction Patent No. 2,447,590.

August 24, 1948.

JACK MELTZER It is hereby certified that errors appear in the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows:

In the drawin strike out Sheet 2, containing Figures 12 and 13; in the headin to the drawings, S est 1, line 4, for 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 read 2 SheetsSlteet 1; an present Sheet 3, line 4, for 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 read 2 Sheets-Sheet2 and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Ofiice.

Signed and sealed this 7th day of December, A. D. 1948.

THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant Uommim'oner of Patents. 

